Advancing education in challenging times is everybody’s business

In a country where education is very expensive and poverty is a hindrance to this needed commodity, the support of all is required in order to advance education in these harsh economic times.

Financial limitations

Education, according to the late Nelson Mandela, is “The most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” This is the weapon that our nation students’ need to unlock opportunities and break down barriers that always seem to hold them back. While it is free and accessible, some students with big goals and hopes for the future are still unable to further their education due to lack of financial support. Yes, a loan from the Students’ Loan Bureau and other financial agencies are available, but some of our students, given their family background and current circumstances, still cannot access these loans and this, however, pushes them further away from their educational dreams.

One might further argue that scholarships are available, but given the influx of applicants to just one or two successful candidates who will be chosen, we are left to ask the question, ‘what happen to the others who were not chosen?’ Here is the answer, those without a choice have to return to their jobs that they are not passionate about or force to return — without a choice again — to their dire circumstances and think of new ways to access this very expensive necessity. Some, due to countless times of trying and no luck, give up on their dream of becoming the world’s leading teacher, nurse or lawyer and focus on something that they are not passionate about. However, the financial contribution of corporate Jamaica can go a far way in helping these students to realise their dream. There are currently a few corporate foundations who are fulfilling their social corporate responsibility by offering financial support to numerous students and for that I pause to commend them on the great work they are doing. But to those who are not fulfilling this mandate, I urge you today to answer the call of helping to advance education. You can start small by helping at least one student to fulfil his or her dream of becoming a professional.

Citizens’ role

“Rise up, stand, and take your place, shine like the sun! Rise up, stand, and take your place, stand like the brave, rule your destiny, be the best that you can be, rise up!” The lyrics of very popular Jamaica United – Rise Up! theme song for 1998 World Cup is still a call, in this case a national call to all our citizens. Wherever you are, whoever you are, you still have a chance to rise up and shine like the sun by helping your country to advance education in challenging times. Instead of complaining about what the Government is not doing, you can take up the mantle and help to advance education.

Did you ask how? By starting with the child in your household or in your neighbourhood; help that child to read or do his or her homework. Open up your home or a facility you may have access to and lend your services by imparting knowledge. What skills do you have? Use that skill to mould students into becoming trained competent individuals in that area. This is your contribution to nation building, you helping a child to realise his or her true potential. The desire to make Jamaica “great again” starts with you. Lend a helping hand today, there is just so much and no more that our teachers and Government can do; join in the cause and play your part in helping to propel education. For those who have graduated from the secondary or tertiary level, there are students who flunk out each semester; this is your opportunity to mentor these students. Sign up with an educational institution and offer to help guide and mentor these students who are failing. You can also offer to train or guide a student who is pursing the same course you have pursued and is now skilled at. You would be surprised what this mentoring relationship can do. This is your contribution, it might be small, but it pushes Jamaica one step closer in achieving its Vision 2030.

Education gives people the skills and tools they need to navigate the world. Education improves the economic growth of any nation. When the people of a nation are educated, they carve ways to be self-sufficient. An economically independent society is the stepping stone to combined productivity that leads to the economic growth of the nation on a whole. Therefore, in order to move Jamaica forward into becoming an economically independent society the onus is all ours to advance education in harsh economic times.

Colleen Cohen, BA, is a patriotic Jamaican citizen.